This stunning rainforest river is an excellent choice for a first rafting trip in Costa Rica. The lush vegetation and thick tree canopy along the narrow, winding river are home to Pacuare lodge, 2-3 Days, San Martin to Siquirres. Class III-IV
On the Río Pacuare 2 and 3 Day Trips, you'll enjoy one of the most amazing rainforest experiences possible - breathtaking beauty far removed from civilization's rush and heart-pounding excitement. It is certain to be a highlight of your stay in Costa Rica.
The Pacuare River is one of the top five rafting rivers in the world for its scenery and rapids. This tropical river is a trip of pure magic, unsurpassed beauty, wildlife and exhilarating rapids.
Day 1
You'll depart San José early in the morning, heading towards the Caribbean and crossing the amazing Braulio Carrillo National Park. You will arrive at our Rios Tropicales Operations Center in time for breakfast, clothing changes or last minute needs. Once ready you will be taken to our private putt-in in San Martin, your friendly and professional guides will load your gear into dry bags, prepare the equipment and give you complete safety and paddle instruction. The first day's Class III rapids welcome you to the Pacuare gorge's charm as you raft deep in the heart of primary rainforest. While your guides prepare you a hearty picnic lunch on the riverbank, you'll be led through the jungle to an enchanting waterfall and pool to swim.
Before you know it, you'll arrive at the award-winning Ríos Tropicales Lodge where you can spend the afternoon relaxing, hiking or soaking in our waterfall and pools. Enjoy our Canopy at no additional cost! Nestled in the jungle on our 1,000-acre private reserve, the lodge offers you all the comforts you need in "Cabecar Indian" style bungalows. Private single and double rooms are spacious with clean linen, and there are modern bathrooms and showers. Electricity is generated by a self-sufficient hydro-plant. Happy Hour will put you in the mood for a tropical evening, followed by a luscious candlelight dinner with wine served by your guides.
Day 2
Don't worry about wake-up time. The beauty of the light through the forest, the sound of toucans and the smell of coffee will get you going. This day is designed to enjoy the lodge surroundings. You can choose a variety of hikes - a 4-5 hour hike high into the Pacuare Reserve; a 2-3 hour hike to nearby waterfalls and pools, or short walks near the lodge - or just relax in a hammock and enjoy nature. Experience a side of the Pacuare few people know!
(Note: For the 2 Day Trip, simply omit Day 2. You will not spend the extra day at the Lodge.)
Day 3
After a hearty breakfast and loading the rafts, you'll prepare to paddle down the Pacuare gorge past gushing waterfalls, serene pools and pounding rapids. A snack stop by the riverside lets you explore more waterfalls and natural waterslides. An adrenaline-packed afternoon running rapids like Upper and Lower Huacas, Cimarron, Dos Montañas and many more, will have you cheering ecstatically. Hot lunch will be served at our New Ríos Tropicales Operations Center. Showers, changing rooms, cold and hot drinks and snacks are also available. On the return drive to San José, you'll enjoy remarkable views of Braulio Carrillo National Park and Irazú Volcano.
2 Days US$250.00/Person
3 Days US$305.00/Person
Included:
Professional bilingual guides, rafting equipment, all meals.
Who can go? Anyone in normal healthy physical condition. Swimming experience is required. Some rafting experience is recommended. Min. age: 14-years-old.
Dificulty: Moderate. Class III rafting: Rapids with high irregular waves; narrow passages that often require complex maneuvering. Class IV rafting: Long, difficult rapids with constricted passages that often require precise maneuvering in very turbulent waters.
Rafting Distance: 16 miles River time: From 3-1/2 to 5 hours - depending on water level.
Recommended gear: Multi-Day River Equipment List
This list represents what you will need on the river. Space on the raft is limited. Therefore, it is important not to bring anything extra.
Equipment
The Ríos Tropicales Lodge offers all the sleeping comfort you would need, private rooms, mattresses, sheets, pillows and blankets are provided.
River Wear
Rubber soled shoes (tennis or similar)
Shorts and a T-Shirt or a Swimsuit
Windbreaker (Optional)
Sunscreen Lotion (Optional)
Sun Hat or Bandana (Optional)
Personal
Toothpaste and toothbrush
Personal medications
Long light pants
Shoes (2 pairs, one wet and one dry)
Long sleeved shirt
Sweater or Sweat shirt
Towel
Socks ( 1 pair)
Raincoat
Insect repellent
Underwear (1)
Brush and Comb
Notes
1. You can always leave your extra gear in the bus or at your hotel.
2. Please advise us if you have your own dry bags.
Extras:
T-shirts and professionally taken photos during your trip will be available for purchase.toucans, cormorants, kingfishers, howler monkeys, hummingbirds and much more.
After being picked up in the early morning from your hotel in San José, you will drive by private, comfortable, air-conditioned bus to a local restaurant for a delicious, typical Costa Rican breakfast. On the way to the river, you'll pass by majestic La Paz waterfall and rolling, verdant fields of coffee, papayas and ferns.
Upon arrival to Río Sarapiquí, your friendly and professional guides will outfit you with lifejackets, helmets and paddles and give you a safety orientation for the river. Rafting down the Sarapiquí, you can expect beautiful, clear water flowing down from Poas Volcano. You'll have fun going through exciting rapids interspersed with tranquil pools, and taking in the stunning tropical forest scenery. During the trip, you'll stop to enjoy a picnic lunch and swimming.
After finishing rafting, you'll enjoy the relaxing beauty of the Selva Verde restaurant and lodge where you can shower and change clothes. On the return drive to San José, you'll pass through Braulio Carrillo National Park and past Irazu Volcano.
Included:
Professional bilingual guides, rafting equipment, breakfast, picnic lunch.
Who can go? Anyone in normal healthy physical condition. Swimming experience is required. Min. age: 12-years-old accompanied by an adult.
Dificulty: Easy. Class III rafting: Moving water with a few riffles and small waves; few or no obstructions. Class II rafting: Easy rapids, waves up to three feet, and wide, clear channels that are obvious without scouting; some maneuvering is required.
Rafting Distance: 7 miles River time: From 2-1/2 to 3 hours - depending on water level.
Recommended gear:
One Day River Equipment List
This list represents what you will need on the river. Space on the raft is limited. Therefore, it is important not to bring anything extra.
On the River
• Rubber-soled shoes that can get wet (Tevas, tennis shoes, booties or similar)
• Swimsuit / swim trunks; t-shirt and shorts of a quick-drying material
• Waterproof sunscreen lotion (SPF 15 or higher)
• Sun hat or bandana
• Croakies or straps to secure glasses
Clothing Change for After Your Rafting Tour
• Towel
• Complete change of clothing including shoes
Extras:
T-shirts and professionally taken photos during your trip will be available for purchase.
Rate: $100.00